Name: cytoplasm and the cell’s internal support
Uploaded: 2023-04-30T10:29:33.000Z
Duration: 1 min 24 s
Channel: JoVE

K12 Standards

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North Carolina K-12 Science Standard Course of Study

9-12

Biology

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From Molecules to Organisms- Structures and Processes

LS.Bio.1.5

Cytoplasm

In eukaryotic cells, the cytoplasm is the area between the plasma membrane and the nuclear envelope.
Since prokaryotic cells lack a nucleus, the cytoplasm refers to everything enclosed within the plasma membrane.
In both cell types, the cytoplasmic space is filled up by a gel-like matrix called the cytosol.
The cytosol is an aqueous solution that contains many soluble ions, small molecules, and macromolecules.
The cytoplasm of eukaryotic cells also includes numerous membrane-bound organelles that perform specialized cellular functions, such as the mitochondria, the endoplasmic reticulum, and the Golgi apparatus.
A framework of protein fibers present in the cytoplasm &#8211; the cytoskeleton, gives the cell its shape and structure. It also helps in intracellular transport and cell motility.
In addition, many non-organelle cellular functions, such as protein synthesis, also take place in the cytoplasm. The aqueous nature of the cytoplasm facilitates protein folding by repelling hydrophobic amino acid side-groups into the protein core.
Some cells also store insoluble metabolic products like glycogen in their cytoplasm in the form of inclusions.

cytoplasm

The cytoplasm consists of organelles and a framework of protein scaffolds called the cytoskeleton suspended in an aqueous solution, the cytosol. The cytosol is a rich broth of water, ions, salts, and various organic molecules.
Protein Folding and Misfolding 
The cytoplasm is the location for several cellular processes, including protein synthesis and folding. The aqueous nature of the cytosol promotes protein folding such that the hydrophobic amino acid side chains are buried in the protein core while the hydrophilic amino acids face the cytosol. However, cellular stresses such as aging and changes in pH, temperature, or osmolarity can cause protein misfolding. Misfolded proteins may amass together in the cytoplasm to form insoluble protein aggregates. Such aggregates are implicated in neurodegenerative disorders, such as Alzheimer&#39;s and Parkinson&#39;s disease.
Cytoskeleton Composition and Function
The eukaryotic cytoskeleton consists of three types of filamentous proteins &#8212; microtubules, microfilaments, and intermediate filaments.
Microtubules, the largest type of filaments, are made up of the protein tubulin. They are dynamic structures that can grow or shrink by adding or removing tubulin molecules from the ends of their strands. They provide structural stability to the cell and act as tracks for transporting proteins, vesicles, and certain organelles within the cell. In addition, microtubules play a crucial role in cell division by providing a framework that guides chromosomes to opposite ends of the cell.
Microfilaments, or actin filaments, are smaller cytoskeletal filaments made up of a protein called actin. Actin proteins can assemble and disassemble rapidly to form filaments. Therefore, they enable motility in unicellular organisms like amoeba or the migration of white blood cells to sites of infection. In skeletal muscle cells, actin filaments slide along myosin filaments to mediate muscle contraction.
Intermediate filaments are not as dynamic as microtubules or actin filaments. However, like the other two types of filaments, they also provide structural support to the cell. Intermediate filaments are composed of different types of proteins based on the specific cell type. For instance, intermediate filaments in hair and nails contain keratin, whereas, in muscle cells, these filaments are made of desmins.

The cytoplasm consists of organelles and a framework of protein scaffolds called the cytoskeleton suspended in an aqueous solution, the cytosol. The ...

Education

JoVE Core

Cell Biology

Unit 1

Cells, Genomes, and Evolution

KEY TERMS AND CONCEPTS

cytoplasm and the cell’s internal support

The cytoplasm is the cell’s internal space that holds organelles and the cytoskeleton. It is suspended in the cytosol, an aqueous fluid made of water, ions, salts, and many organic molecules. This fluid helps keep the cell organized and supports many cellular activities.

The cytoplasm is also where protein synthesis and protein folding take place. The watery cytosol helps proteins fold correctly. In a folded protein, hydrophobic amino acid side chains tend to stay buried in the core, while hydrophilic amino acids face the cytosol.

Cell stress can disrupt this process. Changes in pH, temperature, osmolarity, or aging can cause proteins to misfold. These misfolded proteins may collect in the cytoplasm and form insoluble aggregates. Such aggregates are linked to neurodegenerative disorders like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease.

The cytoskeleton is the protein framework inside the cytoplasm. It includes three filament types: microtubules, microfilaments, and intermediate filaments. Microtubules are the largest and are built from tubulin. They can grow or shrink by adding or removing tubulin at their ends. They help give the cell structural stability and serve as tracks for moving proteins, vesicles, and some organelles. They also help guide chromosomes to opposite ends of the cell during cell division.

Microfilaments, also called actin filaments, are smaller and are made of actin. They can assemble and disassemble quickly. This rapid change helps amoeba move and helps white blood cells migrate to infection sites. In skeletal muscle cells, actin filaments slide along myosin filaments to drive muscle contraction.

Intermediate filaments are less dynamic than microtubules or actin filaments, but they still provide support. They are made of different proteins depending on the cell type. In hair and nails, intermediate filaments contain keratin. In muscle cells, they are made of desmins.

Cytoplasm and the Cell’s Internal Support

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The cytoplasm is the cell’s internal space that holds organelles and the cytoskeleton. It is suspended in the cytosol, an aqueous fluid made of water, ions, salts, and many organic molecules. This fluid helps keep the cell organized and supports many cellular activities. The cytoplasm is also where protein synthesis and protein folding take place. The watery cytosol helps proteins fold correctly. In a folded protein, hydrophobic amino acid side chains tend to stay buried in the core, while...

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types-of-genetic-transfer-between-organisms

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key terms and concepts

Learn how the cytoplasm, cytosol, and cytoskeleton support cell structure, protein folding, transport, cell division, movement, and muscle contraction.

Cytoplasm and the Cell’s Internal Support | JoVE K12

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Cytoplasm and the Cell’s Internal Support

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